2.0: Not Akshay Kumar, this Hollywood actor was first choice to play villain in Rajinikanth starrer

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A lot is riding on the upcoming sci-fi action movie, 2.0. Starring Rajinikanth in double role once again, this sequel to 2010’s Enthiraan has reportedly been made on a budget of Rs 550 crore and is also the most expensive Indian film ever made. One of the key highlights of the film is Akshay Kumar’s villainous role as Dr Richard. However, do you know Rajinikanth was supposed to fight veteran Hollywood action star Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2.0 instead of Akshay Kumar? 

The 71-year-old actor was director S Shankar's first choice for the role of anti-hero in 2.0, reported news agency PTI. Speaking at a press conference in Mumbai, Shankar revealed that the film's team had approached Mr Schwarzenegger with the details of the role and even dates were also assigned to the actor but the collaboration couldn't be finalised because of contractual issues. "We had thought of casting Arnold. We had talked and allotted dates also. But somehow things did not work out as the contracts of Hollywood and India are contradictory," PTI quoted S Shankar as saying.

"So we thought of looking at a good cast from the Indian film industry," Shankar added during the press conference. Talking about how Akshay Kumar came on board for the role, he said while they were on the hunt for casting the 2.0 villain, Akshay was in touch with Lyca Productions (producers of 2.0) for the Hindi remake of Kaththi and that's when the 51-year-old actor was heavily recommended for the role. "Everyone told me to consider Akshay and I also thought it would be nice. I narrated the story to him and he said yes," said Shankar.

2.0 has already crossed the 100 crore club even before its release by massive advance bookings. The movie is very much expected to break the opening day collections record which is currently held by Aamir Khan's 'Thugs of Hindostan', which had collected over Rs 52 crore on its first day. With a budget of Rs 600 crore, '2.0' is the most expensive Indian film ever made. Apart from Rajinikanth and Akshay Kumar, the movie also casts Amy Jackson in the female lead.